The night sky was a breathtaking canvas, painted with the shimmering lights of the Milky Way galaxy. Billions of stars twinkled brightly, casting a serene glow over the vast expanse. Suddenly, a streak of crimson light tore through the darkness, fading into an ominous cloud that began to engulf the galaxy's center.
As the scene shifted, the Earth came into view, shrinking from the vastness of space. Lights flickered and went out across the continents, plunging the planet into a sudden blackout, accompanied by the unsettling sounds of crackling and popping.
A close-up revealed the surface of the water, where ripples spread outward as a figure descended from the darkness above. Shrouded in a black cloak that billowed in an unseen wind, the figure emanated an aura of power. Glowing red energy crackled around its gloved hands and feet, hinting at the formidable strength contained within.
Standing tall, the figure revealed only a hint of a powerful build beneath the cloak. Its face remained obscured in shadow, save for two piercing crimson eyes that glowed with an otherworldly intensity. The figure began to walk across the surface of the water, an invisible barrier separating the human world from the true essence of the Hakone shrine. To ordinary eyes, the shrine appeared as a mere structure by the water, but to the figure, it was a gateway to something far more profound.
As the cloaked figure approached the iconic Torii gate of the Hakone shrine, it passed through the invisible barrier, a shimmering veil that only the chosen could perceive. The air crackled with a faint energy as it stepped onto land, leaving no footprints in the soft sand. A close-up of the figure's crimson eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions—sadness, determination, and a hint of hope.
Kneeling gently, the figure placed a small bundle wrapped in white cloth at the base of the shrine's steps. The faint blue light enveloped the scene, creating an otherworldly glow. A close-up of the bundle revealed a sleeping baby boy, a faint birthmark shaped like a stylized wing glowing softly on his right upper chest.
The figure raised a gloved hand over the baby, and a warm, golden light emanated from its palm, enveloping the child for a moment. The figure whispered something inaudible, a secret lost to the winds.
Slowly, the figure rose, its body beginning to shimmer with an ethereal light. The soft humming sound filled the air as it faded completely into the darkness, leaving only its crimson eyes glowing for a brief moment before they too vanished.
As the figure disappeared, lights began to flicker back on across the planet, city by city. The blackout receded, replaced by a faint hum that filled the air. A wide shot of the Hakone shrine revealed the baby sleeping peacefully on the steps, the faint glow on his chest barely noticeable.
In that moment, the baby's eyes fluttered open for the first time, revealing a brilliant crystal blue, the same color as the mysterious light that had enveloped him. He stared up at the rising sun, a sense of wonder in his gaze, unaware of the destiny that awaited him.
As the figure faded, a powerful aura surged from within the shrine. Kazuki, a wise and strong figure clad in traditional robes adorned with intricate markings, emerged from the entrance, his eyes wide with surprise and recognition. He approached the baby, his heart racing as he saw the child's crystal blue eyes—identical to those of a long-lost legacy.
Tears formed in Kazuki's eyes as he gently picked up Haruto, the name he instinctively felt belonged to the child. His tear-streaked face reflected a mix of sorrow and hope as he gazed at Haruto's mysterious mark.
"Your legacy lives on," Kazuki whispered, his voice filled with emotion.
Kazuki's eyes began to glow with an emerald purple light, unique mandala patterns swirling within them as he channeled his power. He looked up at the sky, determination etched on his face. Raising his hand towards the sky, he unleashed a powerful battle cry.
"Shinzui! Hoshi no Kagome!" he shouted, the words resonating with ancient power. The sky above the shrine crackled with energy as Kazuki's barrier began to form, spreading across the entire Milky Way galaxy. An invisible protective barrier emerged, visible only to those who possess skilled Eternum powers.
Holding Haruto securely, Kazuki looked determinedly at the sky. "As long as I stand, this boy shall remain safe," he vowed, his heart resolute.
As Kazuki stood at the steps of the Hakone shrine, a powerful aura surged from within. The air around him crackled with energy, and he felt a shift in the atmosphere. Suddenly, two shimmering blue portals appeared before him, swirling with vibrant energy.
The scene split diagonally, revealing Kazuki on the top half, bathed in the soft blue glow of the barrier, holding Haruto securely in his arms. His expression was one of determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Below, a dynamic view of Earth showcased the continents, each highlighted in different colors, a visual representation of the energy that was awakening across the globe.
In a grid of seven smaller panels, the focus shifted to various students in their respective locations, each feeling the surge of energy from the barrier:
USA (Aiden Cross): In a bustling city street of Greenville, Aiden gasped, clutching his arm where the "Hoshi no Nami" symbol glowed brightly as a tattoo, a sign of his awakening abilities.
Spain (Elena Navarro): In the serene landscape of Ronda, Elena stood in a lavender field, her eyes widening as the symbol glowed on her bicep, a connection to the energy that was calling her.
Russia (Nikolai Ivanov): In a snowy forest clearing of Taiga, Nikolai looked startled as the symbol glowed faintly on his exposed neck, a hint of his invisibility powers.
China (Li Wei): In a crowded city street of Hangzhou, Li touched a plant, and the symbol glowed on her palm as the plant bloomed, showcasing her plant manipulation abilities.
Japan (Akira Takahashi): In a bustling market of Kyoto, Akira picked up a sword, his eyes widening as the symbol glowed on his inner forearm, a sign of his readiness for battle.
India (Inaaya Singh): Amidst a vibrant Holi festival in Bengaluru, Inaaya spun joyfully, then stopped short as the symbol glowed on her back between her shoulder blades, causing a nearby object to levitate slightly.
South Korea (Jin-Ho Lee): In a high-tech city of Seoul, Jin-Ho walked through a crowd, the symbol glowing on his ankle, a reminder of the power awakening within him.
Each panel was accompanied by subtle sound effects—"WHOOSH" or "TING"—representing the energy surge that connected them all.
The scene shifted back to the Hakone shrine, where Kazuki stood resolute, facing the horizon. The two shimmering blue portals stabilized, revealing the first arrivals.
From the left portal, Akira Takahashi stepped out, holding his sword that glowed faintly with energy, a determined look crossing his face. From the right portal, Inaaya Singh emerged with a mischievous grin, a faint blue aura surrounding her, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kazuki's surprise turned to relief as he saw Akira and Inaaya standing confidently before him. Inaaya, with her arms raised, displayed her unique power. Her previously brown eyes glowed with a swirling, intricate pattern, reminiscent of a kaleidoscope.
With intense concentration, Inaaya performed a series of intricate finger movements, each accompanied by shimmering blue sigils appearing in the air around her fingertips, inspired by ancient mudras. The energy around her rose, creating a crescendo of hums, each movement triggering a sharp "PING" sound as the sigils manifested.
Kazuki looked up in awe at Inaaya's display of power. "Ijutsushi," she declared, the word written in Japanese kanji, signifying her mastery of the art.
As Inaaya completed her final finger movement, six shimmering blue portals materialized in a circular formation around the central trio. One by one, the remaining students began to emerge from the portals, each showcasing a hint of their abilities:
Aiden Cross (USA): Stepped out, his hand crackling with faint energy, a manifestation of his illusion manipulation.
Elena Navarro (Spain): Emerged gracefully, a wisp of energy forming beside her, a sign of her entity creation abilities.
Nikolai Ivanov (Russia): Materialized partially transparent, solidifying completely, a testament to his invisibility powers.
Li Wei (China): Stepped out holding a blooming flower, a symbol of her plant manipulation.
Jin-Ho Lee (South Korea): Phased slightly out of the portal before solidifying, showcasing his intangibility.
Each panel was accompanied by subtle sound effects—"WHOOSH" or "TING"—representing the energy surge that connected them all.
The scene shifted back to the Hakone shrine, where Kazuki stood resolute, facing the horizon. The two shimmering blue portals stabilized, revealing the first arrivals.
As the Hakone shrine stood bathed in the barrier's strong glow, a mixture of relief and surprise etched on Kazuki's face. The seven students formed a semi-circle around him, a sense of unity and purpose binding them together.
A hush fell over the scene, broken only by the soft, rhythmic hum of the energy barrier. In a coordinated movement, all seven students bowed low to Kazuki simultaneously, their backs straight, hands resting on their knees. The "Hoshi No Nami" symbol on each student glowed faintly, a reminder of their connection to one another.
Kazuki's surprised yet relieved expression reflected his gratitude as he witnessed their coordinated bow. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he spoke, "Minna..." (Everyone...), his voice filled with a mixture of relief and surprise.
"...Yoku kimashita." (You came well.)
.... "Kono akachan o kakuho shite oite, watashi ga modoru made." (Secure this baby, till I came back)
The bond between them was forged, and together, they would face the challenges that lay ahead.
Preparing for the Future
Kazuki's face was a study in contrasts, a mix of determination and concern etched into his features. His eyes reflected the weight of the situation, the gravity of the task ahead. Below him, Haruto sat on the ground, his chubby hand reaching out playfully toward the shimmering blue glow of the barrier. The child's wide eyes sparkled with innocent curiosity, a stark contrast to the tension in the air.
The students exchanged worried glances, the atmosphere thick with unspoken questions. Akira stepped forward, his voice laced with concern. "Sensei, where are you going? And why is this child so important?" In the background, a faint, swirling darkness gathered on the horizon, barely noticeable but ominous.
Kazuki gently placed Haruto into the arms of Inaaya, who cradled the child with care. Haruto looked around with wide, curious eyes, unaware of the significance of the moment.
Close-up panels showcased the individual reactions of three students. Elena wore a thoughtful expression, intrigue sparkling in her eyes. Nikolai remained stoic, his posture rigid, but a slight crease on his forehead betrayed his concern. Aiden furrowed his brow, his hand crackling with faint blue energy, a subtle hint of his illusion manipulation ability.
Inaaya looked at Haruto with a gentle smile, her nurturing side shining through. "Hey there, little one. We're going to take good care of you," she reassured him.
Kazuki stood tall, his posture conveying leadership and trust. He looked at each student with a determined gaze. "You must work together to protect and train Haruto. Each of you has unique abilities that will be vital in his upbringing. Remember, the fate of..." His voice trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished, adding to the suspense that hung in the air. A faint blue shimmer surrounded Li Wei's hand, and a holographic image of a katana flickered beside Akira, subtle hints of their powers.
The students formed a circle around Haruto, placing their hands on top of each other in a unified gesture. Their expressions ranged from determined to thoughtful, showcasing their commitment. Aiden spoke on behalf of the group, his voice steady. "Don't worry, Sensei. We'll take good care of Haruto and train him well."
With a final nod, Kazuki stepped through a portal, disappearing into the shimmering light. The students stood united, Haruto in the center, cradled in Inaaya's arms. A soft "WHOOSH" echoed as the portal closed behind Kazuki.
The Call of the Outside World
The scene shifted to Earth from space, where various news channels flashed across the screen, discussing the recent global blackout.
A news anchor appeared, speaking in front of an image of Earth. "Scientists are baffled by the recent global blackout, with many attributing it to a massive solar radiation event."
Another news channel featured a different anchor, showing experts in a heated debate. "While solar radiation is a leading theory, some experts suggest a more mysterious cause for this unprecedented event."
The focus returned to the Hakone shrine, where the barrier still glowed softly, a symbol of protection around the area.
Inside the Shrine
The interior of the Hakone shrine was a large hall filled with traditional decorations, the atmosphere rich with history. The seven students entered, their expressions a mix of curiosity and determination.
Inaaya smiled, breaking the tension. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us."
Gathering around a large table in the center of the hall, they placed Haruto gently in a crib nearby. Aiden's expression turned serious. "Kazuki Sensei left us with a huge responsibility. We need to figure out how to protect Haruto and train him."
Li Wei, thoughtfully touching a plant that began to bloom under her hand, spoke up. "Haruto's power will be immense. We must ensure he's ready when the time comes."
Akira drew his sword slightly, the blade glowing faintly. "Training him will require all of our skills. We must work together."
Elena, with a wisp of energy forming beside her, looked at Haruto with a gentle expression. "We should also make sure he has a normal childhood, as much as possible. He deserves that."
Jin-Ho, partially phased, nodded in agreement. "Balance is key. Training and protection, but also letting him grow."
Planning the Training
The students seated themselves in a circle, Haruto sleeping peacefully in his crib nearby.
Inaaya suggested, "We should each take turns training Haruto in our respective abilities. This way, he can learn a variety of skills."
Nikolai, now fully visible, added thoughtfully, "Agreed. We must also be vigilant. The forces that caused the entire dimensional 1 Galaxy (Milky Way Galaxy) blackout might come after him."
Aiden stood up, determination in his voice. "We'll set up a schedule and make sure someone is always with him. We can't take any chances."
Beginning the Journey
Inaaya's eyes sparkled with determination as she took charge. "Alright, let's get organized. We need to divide our time between training, protection, and keeping an eye on the world outside."
The group huddled closer, a map of the world spread out on the table. They began discussing their roles and strategies, each student contributing their thoughts.
Division of Duties
Akira pointed to different areas on the map. "I'll focus on teaching Haruto combat skills and discipline. We need to prepare him for any physical threats."
Elena placed a hand on Haruto's crib, her energy wisp hovering above. "I'll help him with his Eternum Refinement. It's crucial for him to refine his energy effectively."
Li Wei gently stroked the blooming plant beside her. "I'll teach him about Eternum Manifestation. Understanding how to manifest his powers will be essential for his growth."
Jin-Ho, still partially phased, added, "I'll work on his Eternum Crafting. He'll need to learn how to create tools and weapons that resonate with his abilities."
Aiden crackled with faint energy, his expression serious. "I'll focus on his Eternum Mastery. He needs to master the full extent of his powers and learn how to control them."
The rest of us will focus on defense, ensuring that Haruto is safe while he learns.
A Sense of Purpose
With their roles defined, the group stood up, ready to begin their new responsibilities.
"Let's get to work," Inaaya declared, her voice filled with purpose.
As the students moved to their positions, preparing for their duties, Haruto remained in his crib, still sleeping peacefully.
A close-up of Elena showed her meditating near the entrance of the shrine. Her eyes were closed, focused. Energy wisps swirled around her hands as she whispered, "光織りなせ (Hikari Orinase)! Yamato!"
The energy wisps solidified, forming a tall, humanoid figure composed of swirling light particles. Its ethereal form was adorned with faint glowing markings resembling armor plating, giving it a watchful and protective presence.
The guardian, named Yamato, stood guard at the entrance, emanating a soft, calming light that filled the surrounding area. Though lacking true emotions, Yamato possessed a keen awareness of its surroundings and could respond swiftly to any threats that approached the shrine.
In a different area of the grounds, Li Wei stood beside a barren patch of soil. She extended her hand, palm down, towards the ground, tracing a unique, swirling pattern in the air. As she concentrated, she whispered, "Sokusei (即成)!" The soil began to glow faintly, and small sprouts erupted from the ground, rapidly growing into a variety of fruit trees and flowering plants. Birds chirped in the newly created greenery, filling the air with life.
As the students began their preparations, a sense of purpose filled the air. Each of them understood the weight of their responsibility, not just to train Haruto but to protect him from the unseen forces that threatened their world. With the guardian Yamato standing watch and the vibrant life blooming around them, they felt a renewed determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
With their roles defined and their hearts united, the journey to safeguard Haruto had officially begun. Little did they know, the trials they would face would test not only their abilities but also the bonds they had forged...